Flexible Fare Policy

When we introduced CharlieCards and our current fare system back in 2006, the first smartphone hadn’t been invented yet. We expect the next decade will hold just as many changes as the last one, so we’ve built AFC 2.0 for flexibility. It will be adaptable to fare policy changes and integrations with other transportation services in the coming years.

The MBTA's fare structure can't change in any big way until after AFC 2.0 rolls out. But the new system will provide opportunities for the MBTA's fare structure, including Commuter Rail zone restructuring, time of day pricing, and reverse commute pricing. We're already starting conversations about whether these future options would work better for our riders and the region.